Nigel Clough has provided updates on his players’ fitness levels ahead of their clash with Burton Albion this weekend.

Mansfield Town will be looking to bank their first positive away result of the League One season when they face Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium this weekend. Stags remain unbeaten at home but are yet to pick up a single point on the road.

After a hard-fought draw against Huddersfield Town, Clough is hoping to see more of the defensive efforts that were put in to shore up against the Terriers with ten men.

As Stags prepare for the trip to Burton, the manager provided the latest on his side’s fitness levels. Owen Dodgson will not be available while he serves his suspension for his red card against Huddersfield.

Mansfield Town defender Stephen McLaughlin in action during the Sky Bet League One match against Peterborough Utd FC at Weston Homes Stadium, 22 August 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

placeholder image — Mansfield Town defender Stephen McLaughlin in action during the Sky Bet League One match against Peterborough Utd FC at Weston Homes Stadium, 22 August 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

Clough, speaking in his mid-week press conference, is hoping Stephen McLaughlin will be available for Saturday after coming off at half-time last weekend.

“He’s okay, he’s been struggling with his ankle, he missed the last two previous games,” Clough said. “He’s had an injection in it so we’re hoping he will be available for Saturday, as of course, Owen Dodgson won’t be. But it depends how it settles down,” Clough said.

If McLaughlin is not deemed fit enough to face Burton, then Frazer Blake-Tracy will be deployed in the left wing-back position.

Tyler Roberts is currently being managed after picking up a calf issue during training. Clough has said it is the opposite calf to the one that had previously set him back.

“He felt it in training so it’s precautionary. We won’t risk him at this stage in the season but we think he might be 50/50 for Saturday,” the boss said.

George Abbott is expected to be involved in first team action after the upcoming international break. Having arrived at the One Call recovering from an injury, the loanee has not yet featured for Stags since signing on Deadline Day.

“He’s not going to be ready just yet, he will be ready after the international break. He’ll be a few weeks yet,” Clough said.

Baily Cargill also remains unavailable but is expected to be back in early October, according to Mansfield’s latest update.